Annette Mondesir, RN

My mother had gone to the ER on a Monday because of extreme difficulty breathing. Her O2 levels were terrible. She was admitted, and by Wednesday had been moved to the ICU.

We had a different nurse that day, but on Thursday Annette was my mother's nurse. The difference between the nurse on Wednesday and Annette was like night and day. Annette was warm and jovial. She made us all feel at ease, especially my mother, who was entirely lucid and extremely upset about her own condition.

Annette made sure we had everything we needed, explained what was happening at all times, and took excellent care of my mother, especially in moments when great tenderness and compassion were required, e.g., changing mom's bedding and cleaning her up after several unpleasant accidents.

My family and I were able to talk to Annette outside the room whenever we had a question, and she always got us what we needed or made sure to get the answer if it depended on someone else's expertise.

My mother only lived two days in the ICU and unfortunately passed away that Friday when efforts to improve her lung function were not successful. Annette tended to my mother and my family with love and care, and gave us the quiet and privacy we needed during our final moments with mom.

Annette gave us all big, comforting hugs when we left Mom's bedside for the last time, and you could tell she felt our pain; it was so generous of her to extend herself to us that way, and we will never forget her kindness.